Disabled Students Allowance

Disabled Students Allowance is a targeted grant that can pay for study related costs which may be incurred at university as a result of a long term medical condition, sensory impairment, specific learning difference, mental health issue, autistic spectrum condition or physical disability.

When you have mental health difficulties, you are often encouraged to access treatment, such as medication or talking therapies. Services that provide these types of support are available from the NHS or privately, and the exact configuration or availability of these services depends on where you study/live and the types of difficulties you experience.

You are also encouraged to think about rights, resources or broad support networks. Some students do not feel that their difficulties entitle them to these types of considerations; they may assume that the situation cannot be changed, or that other people's difficulties are much worse or more worthy than theirs. However, if you experience mental health difficulties it is worthwhile talking about these issues with a Mental Health Adviser at the University.

Some students may be entitled to claim extra financial assistance to help with any additional costs they incur as a result of their mental health difficulties, and this page provides more detail.

There is no fixed deadline to apply but once the academic year has started you have 9 months to apply for DSA for the current academic year.

When your application has been approved, you will be asked to book a Needs Assessment. You can find your nearest centre here by inserting your postcode.

You will receive a report following your Needs Assessment, which will be sent to your Funding Body. They will then write you a letter confirming which support has been agreed and explain how to arrange it.

There is also a free phone in Student Services you can use to call funding bodies regarding any aspect of student finance support. Please ask at the Information Desk in Bridgeman regarding access to this phone.